Small business owners are starting 2013 with low expectations for the economy and their companies. That's the finding of a survey released Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business. The lobbying group's Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.9 points to 88.9 in January, but remains at a level that points to continuing pessimism among business owners. More at the AP and see the full report.

Florida food recycling plant shut down over permitting issues

A recycling firm that some neighbors claim is making them sick with powerful odors of rotting vegetables and dead fish has been shut down by city building officials for failing to have proper operating permits. Organic Dynamics was told to stop work and vacate their building after inspectors discovered the firm did not have a certificate of occupancy. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Delray Beach to decide who gets space — law firm or Arts Garage

Work-Life Balance

The Daddy Dilemma

Fathers actually now report higher levels of work-family conflict than mothers do. In a 2011 study, the Families and Work Institute found that 60 percent of fathers in dual-earner households say they experience some or a lot of work-life conflict, compared with just 35 percent in 1977.

Meanwhile, the level of work-life conflict reported by similar working mothers has not changed significantly in three decades. Why don’t more men push for change?

double the number of its employees. That’s a good thing, right? A cutting-edge performance space wants to provide jazz, theater and other entertainments in downtown Delray Beach. Also a good thing. But the law firm, Kanner & Pintaluga, and the performance space, the Arts Garage, both want the same space. More at the Palm Beach Post.

Publix to roll out digital grocery coupon system

After testing its digital coupon service in its Ocala stores and in Alabama, Publix Super Markets is about to go system-wide with a March 15 introduction of a pretty cool system that, with minimum effort from shoppers, makes it easier to save money at the checkout counter. Some Tampa Bay stores may start offering the service later this week. It requires no loyalty card. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

Travel industry: Romance works best on the road

Want to kindle some romance this Valentine's Day? The travel industry suggests you skip the gift and book a trip instead. The U.S. Travel Association, releasing the first installment in a planned series of research about the effects of travel on people's lives, said it found that traveling is solid way for couples to help Cupid with his job. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Pest Trends Spiraling whiteflies spreading north

Calls to exterminators to rid plants and landscaping of the pernicious spiraling whitefly are on the rise in Southwest Florida as the Caribbean pest migrates north after appearing in Miami three years ago. The rapid spread of the rugose spiraling whitefly — and its destructive appetite for sucking juices from various tropical landscape plants — has kept pest control experts busy this season.